Replies: 29 Unseemly Comments
My, my, Mr BK, you're up and out early. It's 10:30 in NYC so it's 7:30 out yonder in your parts. Early notes! I will post later about the Beatles and seeing them in Chicago.
Posted by Ben @ 09/30/2002 07:37 AM PST
I totally remember that Life magazine from probably February 1964 featuring the Beatles, right before their first Sullivan show. My sisters (who were at just the "right" age) were drooling idiots for most of that year. Remember how they captioned John on Sullivan as "Sorry, girls, he's already married"?
Re: Charles Bronson. I have an interesting curio--Frances Farmer's sister Edith self-published a bio of FF to counteract all the scurrilous lies written about her by the Scientologist author who started the whole lobotomy issue--and evidently Charles Bronson and Jill Ireland were interested (perhaps in optioning it for Jill, I would imagine), as I have a copy of Edith's book inscribed to them from Edith. Jill would have made an interesting choice as FF in a film, I think.
Posted by JMK @ 09/30/2002 07:46 AM PST
There was an Ed Sullivan show tribute to the Beatles that featured Peggy Lee singing "Something" very sexily and the Muppets doing "Octopus's Garden." I know there were many other "mainstream" acts doing other songs, but those are the two I remember.
Posted by Philip Crosby @ 09/30/2002 08:42 AM PST
When I was about 7, I became aware of the Beatles, though I'm sure I'd heard them for a lot longer. My dad was a big fan and had lots of their albums...mostly earlier ones; I think they kind of lost him when they went psychedelic, as he just wasn't prepared to go there (although he did own Abbey Road).
Anyhoo, we had just moved from The House on Barry Road (as it was hereafter dubbed) to a quite elegant (in a late '70s way) townhouse, and still had empty moving boxes lying around the living room. One morning I got up early, tiptoed downstairs in my nylon nightie, put on Revolver and upended several of the boxes so that they surrounded me (my drum kit). I then proceeded to outRingo Ringo by drumming away to "Taxman."
Yes, my parents were thrilled.
I'm sure they were even more thrilled when about a year later, I glued a picture of myself (taken in the 2nd grade) to the heart underneath Paul's picture on one of the albums, I forget which one. (there was a heart under each Beatles' pic, and you were SUPPOSED to put your picture under the one you thought was cutest, darn it!)
Oh, well...his Beatles '65 album was already defaced by one of his barracks buddies, who had amused himself by wittily supplementing each and every song title with his own ballpoint-penned bon mots. The young soldier's wit rivaled Noel Coward -- two examples: "Mr. Moonlight" (f* you) and "Honey Don't" (f*).
Didn't see "A Hard Day's Night" until 7 or 8 years ago, though I'd seen -- and loved -- "Help" when I was 7. After seeing "Help" again more recently, I think 7 was the age of their target audience.
Posted by Lulu @ 09/30/2002 09:05 AM PST
COUNTDOWN!
Six (6) days until the first East Coast Hainsies and Kimlets Party, with our own Bruce Kimmel, right here in New York City. That’s Sunday, October 6, 2002. If you are planning to attend -- and I do hope you are, for it would be most unseemly to miss it -- please click on the link below and let me know no later than Tuesday night – that’s tomorrow! So don’t dilly dally, or even dally dilly. There’s no time to lose. (And don’t forget to include a contact telephone number.) Once we have a confirmed list, details will be finalized and sent to you by email.
And, yes, Virginia, pointy party hats will be in order.
Posted by Susan Gordon @ 09/30/2002 09:26 AM PST
Coo Coo Kachoo
Posted by I am the Walrus @ 09/30/2002 09:45 AM PST
This is somewhat off topic, but browsing through the inexhaustible and sometimes overwhelming Amoeba on Sunset the other week I found a CD reissue for which I had been looking for some time, the Billy May Capitol instrumental album of the score for Richard Rodgers "No Strings"
I've always been fond of that score. Though I've never quite been sold on Rodgers original lyrics, divorced from the words the score is quite effective in May's distinctive arrangements.
But "No Strings" is seldom performed these days, and I don't think there's ever been a major revival. I wonder why? Is it Rodger's (IMHO) rather awkward lyrics, the inter-racial love affair, or what? But I've always liked the Capitol OC album, and I understand the show was rather innovative.
I've been reading Meryle Secrest's recent and very informative bio on Richard Rodgers. She mentioned there were plans for a film version of "No Strings" with Lena Horne and, of all people, Rock Hudson, but Hudson eventually bowed out.
Also, the title of Secrest biography, "Somewhere For Me," is taken from one of lyrics in "No Strings".
Posted by Ross Care @ 09/30/2002 09:55 AM PST
In the News
I have not checked the other Sunday/Monday posts yet, but I assume it our Laura who had the Sondheim letter in the Calendar section of the Sunday LA Times this week? If so, congrats, Laura.
BTW, Laura, some time ago I saw the Arena Stage production of "Merrily We Roll Along" in DC. It had, as I recall, a revised script.
Also in the Times, the announcement of the revival of THIS IS CINERAMA in its original 3-projector format at the restored Cinerama Dome on Sunset. Though I was going in town anyway, I immediately rushed to the Dome to get my tickets. (So anxious to take that famous roller-coaster ride again).
BTW the ad says it opens Friday for one week only, but the box-office said it opens Wed. Oct. 2, so ?????
I hope other Cinerama films will follow THIS IS CINERAMA into the Dome. Anyone know?
And has anyone been to the new Dome as yet? As I recall there was some controversy over the new screen during the restoration.
Posted by Ross @ 09/30/2002 09:56 AM PST
To Ross Care---
NO STRINGS is being done this May by Encores in New York. They were going to do it last season, but apparently they feel that the only actress who can play the Female Lead is former Miss America Vanessa Williams and when she went INTO THE WOODS they cancelled it. I assume her contract will be up by then which is why it is the last Encores of the season (after HOUSE OF FLOWERS and THE NEW MOON). Although there are many stars in New York who could play the role, Encores seems insistant on Ms. Williams so if she should renew her contract with INTO THE WOODS, it will probably be put off again. Since it is Encores, expect the complete score and a book cut to the bare minimum.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/30/2002 11:10 AM PST
No Beatles story here...I saw them on Ed Sullivan -- l-i-v-e. I was as nonplussed as my parents over the screaming hissyfits the chickiepops were throwing.
The grew on me during the 60s and into the 70s. I was never a fanatic over them, but I have come to appreciate their body of work enormously. At the time they were bemoaning "A Hard Day's Night" and seeking "Help", I was discovering film music on LP, the world of musical theater and movies. I was also very much into that Motown sound. So it's not like I was averse to cultural exposure -- I was just unable to assimilate it all at once...so the Beatles went on my back burner.
I've met some Beatles fans over the years, though....dyed-in-the-wool fanatics, to be sure. But I've never played Abbey Road backwards, so I will never know for sure if it sounds like they're saying Paul is dead, and I'll never be able to personally say they did it on purpose and had Paul walk across the street barefooted as part of the joke.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/30/2002 01:24 PM PST
Huh? What? I see my name, but I don't know what you're talking about. Must be another Laura in our midst.
Posted by Laura @ 09/30/2002 02:05 PM PST
Hmmm...the Beatles...
I guess my first exposure to
them would have been a
morning radio show I listened
to before school when but a
sprig of a twig of a lad. The DJ
was quite a Beatles fan and
played them quite a bit. So,
while I haven't a clue as to my
first real Beatles experience, I
do know that I knew most of
their songs fairly well by age 9.
And, I'm anticipating having to
hang my head in shame for
this, but...I have never seen A
Hard Day's Night.
Posted by Jed @ 09/30/2002 02:45 PM PST
I'm with Jed. I have never seen a"A Hard Day's Night".
The Beatles had two top 10 hits here in 1963. "From Me To You" and "She Loves You". They were reasonably popular as were Gerry & The Pacemakers at the time. It was the release of "I Want To hold Your Hand" for the Christmas 1963 period that really broke them here and the consequent publicity of their American success. They had already been signed to tour here (at bargain prices) before they "hit" big in America. The first Beatles 45 I purchased was "I Saw Her Standing There" b/w "Love Me Do". It was the top selling single in Melbourne in 1964. Oddly when they toured here they didn't have the #1 song on the charts. It was a local cover by Billy Thorpe of "Poison Ivy".
I have not seen "Help" either. I did see "Magical Mystery Tour" and "Yellow Submarine" which are not really that memorable. The "Let It Be" rooftop performance film won an oscar I think.
The hotel where The Beatles stayed in Melbourne in 1964 is now a hole in the ground. There were also big worries for the fans when the group toured. Ringo was in hospital and only joined the tour in Melbourne. (Adelaide missed out - they had a substitute drummer - Jimmy Nichole).
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 09/30/2002 03:03 PM PST
You have never seen A Hard Day's Night??? Hie yourself to the nearest store and buy the new DVD. It's still, all these years later, wonderfully fresh and funny and the music is superb. It was the first of its kind and you will be shocked and amazed at the number of times it's been ripped off over the years. Now, there are not nearly enough posts for me to peruse. Get off your various and sundried butt cheeks and post, post, post (that is three posts).
Posted by bk @ 09/30/2002 04:18 PM PST
My Post #1:
Welp! I've never seen "A Hard Day's Night" either -- except for some clips here and there. Now, if you ask my brother, he'll definitely respond in the affirmative. The Beatles heyday were more or less mine, but for some reason, I never bit. I had done enough theater and studied enough voice to know there was something better out there (at least that's my take). I loved Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Peggy Lee, Gogi Grant, Broadway musicals, and Big Band music. I confess I am my parent's daughter. I just never fit in with my generation's interests. Does that make me horribly square?
P.S. Heeding Mr. BK's directive, I calculate I've got 2 more posts to go. Later!
Posted by Donna @ 09/30/2002 05:37 PM PST
Come and show me the magic
of your Hollywood song.......
Posted by HoneyPie @ 09/30/2002 05:49 PM PST
One of the first record reviews I ever published was on the Beatles' "Abbey Road", in an alternative newspaper in Lancaster, Pa.
Oddest Beatles memory I have is sort of indirect, of a crazed New York production of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band".
Tom O'Horgan directed. There was a character named Billy Shears (as I recall) and a hoard of Divine look-alikes (a la "Pink Flamingos") swarmed throughout the production. It was probably the trippiest live theater I ever experienced.
But it was pretty groovy and I saw it a couple of times.
I think. Someone once said if you remember the '60s you wern't really there.
Posted by Ross @ 09/30/2002 06:00 PM PST
Sorry I never got back to y'all last night. The pretty,witty and gay things just wouldn't come my way (isn't that always the case).
The first time I heard about the Beatles was before they were on Ed Sullivan. My mother let me stay up and watch the news, and there was film of the Beatles and showing all the girls screaming. My mother told me who they were and that they were going to very big and famous. Of course, my older sister got sucked right into all the Beatlemania going around. I guess we all did. I was just dying to get a Beatle wig from the Toy Cottage to wear for Halloween.
I haven't seen "Hard Day's Night" since it came out the first time. We saw it a few times-- first at the theatre and then at the drive-ins. (Drive-in movies were an all-year kind of thing in Arizona). I guess it's time I checked out the movie again.
Posted by Kerry @ 09/30/2002 08:02 PM PST
Ross - the controversy over the new screen at the Dome was that it isn't a true Cinerama screen - it's a standard screen, instead of the Cinerama louvered or slatted screen, which is made up of highly reflective strips. They didn't install that screen because of the subwoofers occasionally causing the slats to billow during regular screenings.
Posted by bk @ 09/30/2002 08:17 PM PST
My Post #2
Welp! I've been thinking further about the Beatles...
They wrote some good songs! To name a few, "Something," "In My Life," "Yesterday," "When I'm 64," and "Norwegian Wood." I especially like "Norwegian Wood." A vocal coach introduced it to me. I think it has a great last line. Reminds me of Edward Gorey. "Isn't it good, Norwegian Wood." (Hee, hee, hee," he said gleefully).
My favorite renditions of these songs aren't by the Beatles though. The ones that stick in my mind are by Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, and others. Different takes. Sometimes I think the songwriter is not necessarily the best singer for the song. That is to say, IMHO.
Posted by Donna @ 09/30/2002 10:02 PM PST
I am much too young to remember The Beatles when they made their debut. My older sister would have only been nine years old, so I doubt I heard them on her radio. I do remember her liking The Monkees, though.
Now, Young Sandra, of course, wasn't familiar with The Beatles at all until she saw Forever Plaid and I explained it to her. I think the first Beatles song she heard was the Plaids' version of She Loves You. She didn't know why everyone was laughing. Personally, I prefer the Plaids' version. Yes-siree Bob!
Posted by Laura @ 09/30/2002 10:16 PM PST
Last Post...
Welp! I just read that L.A. Times letter to the editor that was written by Laura, but not our Laura. I also read the letter before it. It was about someone who had co-founded a theatrical group and was, along with his partner, "strong-armed out." He said to this day they have not been welcomed back. He also said it was "one of the most extremely painful events of our lives."
I'll bet. There seems to be more and more of this happening. Some examples that come to mind are the son of the founder of Crown Books, Carl Karcher of Carl's Jr., and Mr. BK himself (if I understand the background correctly). I can't think of anything more painful than to put all your love into a project and then have someone take it from you and assume it for themselves (if that's what happened). I think these things come into play because of jealousy and envy. Ayn Rand wrote about this very thing in "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged."
The other day when BK asked us what we really, really wanted, this would have been my answer -- to banish envy and jealousy from the world forever. These two things seem to be the root cause of so many terrible things in the world. IMHO, that is.
Say goodnight, Gracie.
Posted by Donna @ 09/30/2002 10:27 PM PST
Goodnight.
Posted by Gracie @ 09/30/2002 10:37 PM PST
OK...So I've just had yet another fabulous night. I attended the Original Broadway Cast Reunion of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG tonight...well...the second act at least. It was AMAZING...so powerful. Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince came onstage at the end and hugged and all was right with the world. But to add to the excitement (are you ready for this??) I saw La LuPone sitting just a few rows behind me so I waited around after the show to meet her and get this--SHE KISSED ME--TWICE!! I was in Heaven...HEAVEN I TELL YOU! I also re-introduced myself to John McDaniel (Rosie O'Donnell's former musical director) and met miss Petula Clark who was shocked to learn that I saw her in the bus and truck of SUNSET BLVD. in Louisville Kentucky. I got brownie points for that one.
After the show I attended the cast party with my friend David Shine who was so kind as to bring me as his one invited guest. At the party I managed to schmooze until I just couldn't do it anymore... I met Hal Prince...I re-met Steve Sondheim...Jason Alexander...Jim Walton...Lonny Price...everyone. Oh...Bruce...Liz Callaway sends her love and hopes to hear from you when you're in town next week. She was so sweet and generous and a FABULOUS Beth.
I simply cannot believe that La LuPone's lips actually touched mine...
And can we talk about Annie Morrison? I met her in DC when I saw MERRILY there and thought she was simply one of the most charming and sparkling personalities I've ever met. THEN I saw her on stage tonight and realized she's all that and MORE!! This woman simply MUST do more stage work in New York. She is far too talented to be down there in Sarasota doing community theatre. Here's to hoping she'll come back to us. Anyway...keep a lookout on Broadway.com for pics and videos from the cast party...perhaps you'll see me! I'm the one who looks a tad out of place. ;-)
Posted by Jason @ 09/30/2002 10:55 PM PST
That sounded terrible of me... Of course if Annie wants to do community theatre let her! There is NOTHING wrong with community theatre. I just wish she were up HERE...making some money at it! Well...you know what I mean.
Posted by Jason @ 09/30/2002 10:58 PM PST
I met Ms. Morrison once, when she was in Chess for the Long Beach Civic Light Opera. I agree, very talented, very wonderful woman. But, if she's happy doing theater without having to put up with NYC, so much the better for her! Not everyone has to be in New York City, after all. For a large number of us who love theater, it's a place to visit, but...
Yes, Jason, we know what you mean. But please understand, not all of us love NYC.
(The preceding has been the opinion of the individual making the statement, and is in no way to be confused with or construed as being the opinion of the people in charge of this location. Thank-you.)
Posted by S. Woody White @ 10/01/2002 12:09 AM PST
Oy! It's 2:30 am MST and I can't sleep. I'm helping my son put a resume together for a job fair tomorrow. Please send good vibes his way for a job in the airline industry. Because if he doesn't get a job soon, he'll be moving back home.
Posted by Laura @ 10/01/2002 02:32 AM PST
Consider the vibes on their way Laura.
Jason. Envy Envy Envy.
I have always loved Merrily - even when performed. the OBC is still the best.
Posted by Tom Guest (from OZ) @ 10/01/2002 02:52 AM PST
I must admit, dear Jason, that S. Woody is, IMHO, correct. I am very happy to be in a part of the country which is perfectly accessible to NYC, but I don't have to live there. A very cumbersome and difficult place (not to mention expensive), though DC is fast beating it out.
Posted by Philip Crosby @ 10/01/2002 06:31 AM PST
